Leonia reports NJGPA results and graduation pathways; 225 students in class of 2025

Dr. Karamanos, superintendent of schools, presented the district's graduation pathways report and spring 2025 New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) results for students who will be seniors in the Class of 2026 and graduates in the Class of 2025.

The presentation matters because the NJGPA and the state's alternate graduation pathways determine whether students meet one component of New Jersey's graduation requirements; the district reported that the Class of 2025 produced 225 graduates and that district scores on the NJGPA exceeded state averages in both ELA and math.

In her overview, Dr. Karamanos said the district must report how students meet state-required graduation pathways. "We report out the total number of students graduated, which is 225," she told the board. She described the three state pathways: pathway 1 (the NJGPA), pathway 2 (substitute competency exams such as designated SAT/PSAT cut scores), and pathway 3 (the portfolio appeal for individualized evidence). She said all students are required to sit for at least one administration of NJGPA to qualify for alternative routes.

Dr. Karamanos gave the district counts for the Class of 2025: 204 students passed pathway 1 in ELA and 158 passed pathway 1 in math; nine students passed pathway 2 in ELA and 46 in math; three students met pathway 3 in ELA and nine in math; and 18 students met an alternate requirement specified in an IEP in ELA and 24 in math. She also said two twelfth-grade students were denied graduation for reasons other than pathway failure.

On the spring 2025 NJGPA administration for the class of 2026 (students tested in grade 11 in spring 2025), Dr. Karamanos reported that 87.8% of tested students were considered "graduation ready" in language arts and 67.3% in math. She noted participation counts differed by subject (205 tested in ELA; 214 in math) because some students are exempted under IEP provisions or entry/placement circumstances. "Students are required to meet a minimum score of 725 on each component," she said, describing the state cut score and the separate reporting for ELA and math components.

District leadership compared multi-year results and the district to state averages; Dr. Karamanos said Leonia continues to score above the state. She identified areas targeted for improvement: informational-text analysis and writing conventions in ELA, and geometry and modeling in math. Planned strategies include continued rollout of STAR universal screening, use of the EduClimber data warehouse, a second year of high-school flex periods for targeted supports, expanded alternative learning pathways for credit recovery, and department common planning time to address gaps.

Board members asked about the timing of state reporting and data releases; Dr. Karamanos noted state results are often delayed and that some students who had not met pathways in spring were reassessed in summer and fall administrations and achieved required scores.

District officials said counselors and instructional teams will continue to monitor students who need alternate pathways and will provide supports through summer and fall testing windows. No formal board action was taken on the presentation; it was provided for information and planning.

Looking ahead, Dr. Karamanos said administrators will continue to review subgroup outcomes and refine interventions before the next assessment cycle.